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Over the past five years Canberra's reputation as a foodie haven has snowballed. Fresh produce abounds here, as do award-winning coffee roasters, beer brewers and cool climate winemakers. Delicious regional food doesn't need to drain your wallet, however, as this local line-up attests.

THE HAMLET

As the sun sets over the central suburb of Braddon, the permanent collective of food trucks known as The Hamlet comes alive. A 10 minute stroll from Canberra's city centre, the Hamlet includes a mobile bar, Peruvian street food, New York-style hot dogs, a custom pizzeria and more. Wander to the back of The Hamlet to uncover a barber shop, as well as pop-up stores selling local art and wares. While this space is also open for lunch, evenings are the best time to visit as live music often plays. 16 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

GRIFFITH VIETNAMESE

With a personality the size of Australia's Parliament House (just four kilometres, or 2.5 miles, down the road), Mr Tan welcomes diners to his pared back, bustling Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant in Canberra's inner south. White walls are plastered with handwritten testimonials singing the praises of the food on offer, and of Mr Tan himself, who will create a menu for you to enjoy after a few careful questions about your preference – without you so much as having to glimpse the printed menu. If you'd prefer to order a la carte, try the braised calamari with ginger onion (AUD$13) or the vegetarian stir-fry with black bean sauce and scrumptious, juicy, soy-based fake meat (AUD$16). 6B Barker Street, Griffith

THE OLD CANBERRA INN

For a city that's just over 100 years old, this 150-year-old pub is a prized, rustic local gem. Built in 1857, the Old Canberra Inn started life as a private home before its owners acquired a liquor licence. Today, it's a top spot for sampling gourmet burgers (AUD$18), as well as beers produced from Canberra's rising microbrewery scene – the Indian pale ales and alcoholic "hard" lemonade are highlights. The inn houses vintage furniture, live music, a kids' play area and a dining room clad in kookaburra wallpaper. 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham

BRODBURGER

Transport an American-style diner to Canberra's old-meets-new Kingston Foreshore area and the result is Brodburger – a hip and hugely popular casual eatery with glass walls and an infectious energy. The diner sprung from a single food truck, originally parked on the edge of the lake in the middle of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin. Long queues and word-of-mouth hype morphed the van into a bricks and mortar restaurant. Brodburger's namesake burger, the Brodburger, is a fail-safe pick. It's a flame-grilled beef patty topped with tomato, Spanish onion and homemade aioli, plus a choice of blue, brie, Swiss or cheddar cheese (AUD$14). 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

CBD DUMPLING HOUSE

This large, illuminated glass box on the northern side of the Canberra Centre shopping complex is a relative newcomer to the city dining scene. Nonetheless, the Dumpling House pulses with people most nights of the week. Sizzling sounds and trails of steam rise from its open kitchen, while ceilings are adorned with hanging lanterns. Service is fast and the food is fresh and simple. Dumplings come served on white plates, undressed with additional extras. Opt for the crispy chilli beef (AUD$14.80), the prawn and pumpkin dumplings (AUD$10.80), and for dessert, choose the silken tofu with ginger (AUD$6.80). Note that this venue can get noisy. Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street, Canberra City

TWO BEFORE TEN

Local coffee roasting house Two Before Ten resides at a set of revamped suburban shops in the city's inner north. This hipster den serves excellent coffee, and crafts quintessentially "new Canberra" meals: creatively conceived and thoughtfully presented – in this case, on heavy stoneware. Two Before Ten's bubble and squeak dish and black rice pudding are two such examples. The former comprises potato and herb medallions, poached eggs and bacon topped with brown butter hollandaise (AUD$18). The latter blends black rice in coconut milk with banana, lemon and passionfruit syrup (AUD$12). 68 Bandjalong Crescent, Aranda

Our national capital territory has a growing population, primarily being driven by overseas migration. It’s hardly surprising then that Canberra is establishing a reputation for becoming a cultural melting pot, with diverse dining options that reflect these trends, from traditional Turkish cuisine to modern Moroccan offerings. Even Italian is a viable option for those seeking halal fare in our nation’s political hub. As a result, Islamic diners can rest assured knowing that a visit to Canberra will reveal plenty of halal restaurants to explore.

Warm your heart and fill your stomach next to a roaring fire this winter. That’s the seductive call of the Fireside Festival, held each August in Canberra and neighbouring villages such as Yass, Hall, Murrumbateman and Gundaroo. Their month-long program of food, wine and entertainment is guaranteed to lift your spirits alongside some chill-combating flames.

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